When I was growing up tattoos were taboo and rebellious. Today, they are widely recognized as a definitive, creative way for people to express themselves and tell their stories. And depending on said tattoo they are also recognized as lame, beautiful, hideous, symbolic, impulsive and/or intriguing. I’ve heard it all. As we well know, everybody has an opinion.
Some tattoos have meaning. Others only symbolize the fact that you were barely coherent when you got yours. You know who you are…
I, for one, love a little marking every now and again. Mine are nothing elaborate or anything to write home about. I’m not trying to be hard or cool or Kat Von D over here. I’m just a wanna-be. Still, some of you hate them and are probably judging me right now. It’s ok. I still love you. Tiny pieces of any respect that my parents have for me gets chipped away with every one I get. It’s fine. We can agree to disagree. Either way, this is a terrible story so don’t leave now.
Here’s how it went down. I was out with friends on my 35th birthday. We lived in Colorado Springs at the time so downtown Denver was the place to be. I had just finished reading a book by Ann Voskamp called ONE THOUSAND GIFTS. My depiction and take-away of this writing can not do it justice so I won’t even try. Just let it be known that I was so moved by this book that I was willing to stamp my body with permanent ink to prove it. I wanted to add a tiny black string around my finger to remind me “in all things, be grateful”. So off we go. And down we go. No, literally. Underground. Downtown Denver. To Frank. Frank was a novelty. – ecsentric. Why I thought this was a good idea, I’ll never know. Frank spoke of many things – mostly shenanigans. And I listened intently as he prepared what could’ve very well been a dirty needle (I’m still not sure). I listened and listened until I could no longer hear the words that were coming out of his mouth. For you see, I could hear nothing over my sudden, intense pain comparable only to the enlightening stage of child birth. The ring of fire (but literally, the “string” of fire). I had no idea I was even pregnant, but this baby was about to come out the tip of my right ring finger. And he was a big one.
“I’m sorry, Frank. Excuse me. Do you have an anesthesiologist on hand, because I’m pretty sure I’m gonna need an epidural for this. It may only be a little ink, but sir, if I didn’t know better I’d say you’re sawing off my digit. Kindly stop lest I die.” I’m not kidding. I thought my time was up at 35 – underground – with Frank. Don’t let me go this way, Lord. It wasn’t worth it and I’m not ready.
One very expensive trip to the ER later and the results were conclusive. Frank cut me nearly to the bone and left me with what looks nothing like a string – more like a Halloween spider that I endearingly named, Charlotte. She’s really a beautiful addition. I think I got that tattoo to remind me of something, but I can’t for the life of me remember what it was (something about being grateful, maybe). Because now all I think about when I see it is FRANK. Thanks, Frank. You’re always in my heart. And on my finger (but hey, at least I still have one). And at least I’m not the only one walking around with a bad ink job. Some of you have it way worse than I do. I’ve seen the work. My condolences.
I digress.
Back to the topic at hand.
I do not claim to be a theologian on the matter of permanent body ink. I just like getting tattoos at random. To each his own.
Many people ask me about the tattoo on my right arm so let me give you a brief what-for. Besides trying to make my parents extremely proud, I wanted to get something symbolic of the valley I had just crawled my way out of. Also, after Frank, I needed redemption.
Here’s the story:
After my divorce I had to learn how to do life again. We – me and my two children – were hurting but strong. And we were headed in this new direction together.
And we were gonna make it, Lord-wiling and the creek don’t rise. I was determined. (So many other stories in here, but let’s move on).
For some reason I loved arrows (they’re all the rage) and as luck would have it, upon my studies of them, I found that they are a symbol of strength and direction.
While one arrow can be easily broken, a bundle is tougher to break. And here we were – this little bundle of weak strength. Being held tight by the arrow-maker Himself.
Figuring it out.
Forging a path.
Walking a new direction.
Together.
After lots of Pinteresting and careful consideration of where body marking #4 would actually take place, I gave it a go on Birthday #41.
NO RAGRETS. (Please see google on the inter-webs for further explanation of this spelling).
Three “arrows” headed in the same direction.
This stupid, ridiculous, sweet, symbolic, beautiful (whatever you want to call it) piece of ink tells a part of my story. It forever and always reminds me that we are strong. I remember where I’ve been and where I’m headed. It is a constant reminder of who I am and who I’m raising my people to be. Tenacious. Tough and tender and full of grit. And God is not finished with us yet. Our story is not over.
My team of three. Making it.
Maybe I AM rebelling. Rebelling against all of the nay-sayers and the things that say I can’t do it, that I won’t make it. Rebelling against complacency – against the hurdles, the hard places, the status-quo.
I am finding as I meet new people and hear your stories, that I am not the only one walking that road. Many of us are facing or have faced circumstances we never asked for or never imagined being in – where we have to keep moving. We are all learning that even in the weak places we are still strong.
And we are still moving – together.
I’m grateful to walk the road with you. And I’m also excited to announce that…drumroll please… these three arrows are the newest addition to our I AIN’T DOIN IT merchandise line. In just a few short days you guys will be able to wear your story. I cry…
What do these arrows symbolize for you? Where are YOU headed? What are you standing up for? What corners are you turning? Who are you being strong for? What are you “not doing” anymore? What new way are you taking and what new movement are you pioneering? Whatever it is, may The Lord keep you steady and may you come out on the other side stronger and better for it.
I hope you love this new addition as much as I do. And I hope it will encourage you to be bold and tell others about your journey. Somebody needs to see you being strong and owning it.
I can’t wait to hear your story!
Wear it well, family.
HEATHER LAND 
Wow! What a story. I hate tattoos but still love you. So each to his own.
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Thank you for this blog. At the age of 58 I will be getting my first tattoo. I have never desired one as I could not think of anything I wanted permanently on my body. What changed my mind? My grandson called with a proposal. He will turn 18 on 8-18-2018. He wants his mom, his aunt and I to go with him on his birthday and for all of us to get a tattoo. When I asked him what kind he thought we should get he replied something like “Ohana”. Something symbolic for the four of us to share. How can I say no to that? I told him I would consider it but it would have to be something I really like and feel comfortable wearing permanently on my body. I am looking for “the one”. My first thought was to put it somewhere hidden. I am now thinking it belongs where others will see it and know I am proud of it. It will be a symbol of the bond the four of us share. After reading this blog I am more convinced that I am making the right decision.
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I love you Heather and I love your story!!!!
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This exact tattoo is actually very popular right now for parents in the Down Syndrome Community. My daughter has Down syndrome and hundreds of parents have gotten this tattoo to represent T21, the additional copy of the 21st chromosome that makes up trisomy 21 and defines our children.
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#theluckyfewtattoo
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Awesome story! Thank you for sharing, inspiring, and entertaining! I’m looking forward (>>>) to seeing more of your stories! 😀
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Oh sweet sister. I’ve been walking this same road for almost 15 years myself. I’m a single mom of two girls, they are almost 15 and 17 now. Where does the time go? But I’m looking at all the people saying “she can’t make it as a single mom” like ✌🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼👊🏼🤟🏼💪🏼🤬 Keep doing you. You got this. And without God’s grace we couldn’t do it.
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Dear sweet Heather, I still don’t like tattoos 🤪 but I love you and your story, so if these markings help keep you strong then God bless, I on the other hand get my strength directly through His word. My eldest has tattoos and I must admit it drives me crazy to see my beautiful little girl all tatted up, but I also know hers also tell a story, and honor lost loved ones……please keep telling your stories and sharing your videos!….,Thank you and God bless 💛
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While reading I experienced all emotions wrapped up in a tiny little package. Can’t wait for the next. Keep it up!!!!!
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Love this!
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Just a thought for your next marking, since you mentioned something similar in your story.
The apostrophe mark is used to say “my story isn’t over yet”.
;
Hope you like it.
Kimberly Briggs
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I absolutely love the meaning of your tattoo. This past year was my worst ever, so with it behind me. Olivia, my ladybug is my guardian angel. My tattoo symbolizes many different things, but I believe her to be my lucky charm. Thank you for sharing, I am sure I will purchase of your new products, I too am climbing my way back. Faith and strength!
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Love your candid and honest exposures! Your heart is real and kind. Thank you for sharing.
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Great post to start my day.
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Your words touched me. Thirteen years ago I was in your shoes. On my own after 16 years of marriage with 2 sons to navigate through life. Some days it was daunting, others it was a hoot. Now, they’re 20 and 26, one in college and the other married and gainfully employed. They seem extremely well adjusted. And me, too. There have been ups and downs but I have to say I am proud of the life I’ve lived.
I say all this to encourage you. I wish divorce on no one for whatever reason. But the good news is you can get through. Prayers and the best of thoughts for you and your family.
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Proof that “tattoos are scars with better stories”! ❤❤❤
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Heck yes!! Same story… divorce, two young people I’m raisin’ and a whole new path forged with the One who makes a way where there definitely doesn’t seem to be one… gosh He’s faithful. And I’m grateful minus the finger tattoo
Thank you for being you 😘
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I would get 2 arrows to represent the times I fought cancer and won ! And pray that I never need to add another
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I love this so much!!
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I have three eagles in flight on my right rib cage. Tattoos I aquired after my marriage of thirteen years ended and I purchased my first home, on my own with my two teenage boys. OUR freedom tattoo.. the three of us soaring together!
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I have two tattoos in honor of my dad, brother, and sister. I suppose they were also as a rebellion of turning 50. I would like to have the following tattooed on my forearm…See It. Feel It. Trust It. However, my forearms are getting a little saggy with age and I’m not sure how the crinkled up version would end up.
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I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this!!! I also love how you are being you and accepting all that comes with that! I have similiar thoughts on the whole body art stuff…I get thoughts of getting more, but after each tattoo (mine also mean something to ME that not everyone “gets”) I always have a fews days of self-doubt about my choice and spend time pondering my sanity….no drugs or alcohol have been involved in my tattoo choices but I often question what the heck!! Still – 5 yrs after my last tattoo I find myself searching for what I want to add to my body. My next one will be something about Zen…fire and ice as the black and white ying yang symbol spins…that has been my life the last 20 years and I am beginning to see the light at the end of our struggles – all of which I know were sent by God. 20+ years ago I prayed that God would send me the man I was meant to be with – and I was willing to accept the strings he may have attached to him because I had strings of my own that he would have to accept. I would not ask him to be something he wasn’t and I would not pretend to be something I wasn’t. Our God certainly has a sense of humor and I got what I prayes for! I love my husband and know he was sent by God…but he brought his own puppet show! Long story short – I brought 1 child into the marriage, he brought 2 that lived out of state initially but later came to live with us – we decided to not have kids of our own so my husband went and got snipped and clipped. Once again God showed us – His Will, not our own! After those 3 kids were near grown and I felt sanity was within my grasp, we inherited my husband’s niece’s 3 children, age 4, 6 and 7! Oh my! Fast forward almost 10 years, once again when these 3 were all almost grown and I felt sanity was again in my grasp, my husband’s son has a child and then has 2 strokes and we have been raising our Grandson for the last 4 1/2 years! God is in control – even in the chaos! And I have learned from each child I have helped raise because no 2 were ever alike!
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One additional comment…I was Saved when I was 14 years old and at different stages thru raising the 7 children – each and every one (except my 8 year old Grandson) have taken the step of faith and been Saved (including my husband) and my husband and my son were Baptised together and both of his children were Baptised. The 3 we adopted have not chosen to proceed with Baptism and that IS their choice.
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I absolutely love you and what you’re doing. You always make me laugh. And sometimes, like now, think. And be grateful. I’m in a place in my life I never expected. Dealing with a drug-addicted son, which has forced me and my husband to raise my 4 year old grandson. At 60 years old. Oh, and my daughter-in-law? She’s an alcoholic. Never around. So, thanks for the laughs. Oh, and I have “a few” tattoos that I’m very proud of. My parents…not so much. 😃
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You’re so fun Heather Land. Great story…keep it up. What’s your next tattoo? C’mon, you know you’re thinking about it.
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Thank you ! I love this blog ! Good read !
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Dear Heather, I have been following you for a few months now, and have to say I truly enjoy your warped sense of humor. I am in my 30s, separated and divorced from my ex-husband of seven years, and raising a toddler basically alone. I separated from his father when he was three weeks old, and has been putting my life back together ever cents. I thought I had it all figured out, married pastor, and the good Christian girl most of my life, and worked incredibly hard to get multiple degrees through college. It is amazing how you can’t outwork the reality of life. God truly humbled, disciplined, and did many more things to me over the course of the last 2 1/2 years, ask while I was pregnant. Which, can we address the fact that pregnancy is not a glowing experience of joy but the ever swelling of a tick like state that is anything but magical. Anyway, thank you for your encouraging and hilarious words. After my divorce I also got arrow tattoos, my first tattoo ever…..on my ribs…..like a moron…… I rediscovered my love of bow hunting after my separation and reconnected with God in the woods of Durango, CO….my hometown. The arrows for me were a symbol of strength, endurance and time spent alone with God during my darkest years. Today I am thriving in a job I love, a private practice on the side as a therapist, and going back to school for my Doctorate. So go enjoy life and thank you for sharing your story!
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Tattoos aside, you are a successful pioneer. But, there are many women before you who paved the way. I am one of them. As you said, many more stories within these lines. When I first viewed your I AIN’T DOING IT excerpts your humor had me rolling on the floor in hysterical laughter. Then I read your back story and was very happy to be a recipient of your beautiful success. Going through my unfortunate break up which ended in divorce, I faced a community of demoralizing people as well as family members. Failure was not only what they wanted to see but it was what they expected. I had three daughters to raise on my own who were faced with living through this tragic time. My education is in design but I was forced to work in the medical field. I hated it. But I did not fail. Those three girls all graduated college with honors and went on even further. I applaud you in living a life doing what you love and setting a good example for your children. Keep in up, Heather. You make so many of us laugh and that takes a tremendous talent. God Bless you! And, thank you for setting an excellent example for all of us. Your character speaks for itself. Keep us laughing! It is so good for the soul.
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I had a divorce tattoo. It was actually my divorce date on the inside of my wrist…the one I pick my phone up with. A reminder that I was no longer there and no matter what I read or heard on that phone – I WAS NOT TRAPPED in unhappiness – anymore. I had removed myself and my kids from that after a very long 20 years. Funny you posted this today. I just got that tattoo covered up with a tree of life over the weekend. The roots of the past have grown into a beautiful future. Thank you and I look forward to the 3 arrows merch. I have 2 kids too..so I can relate!
Have a beautiful day!
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Love love you & your determination & strength & your willingness to keep us laughing at real life !!! Take care!!!
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My daughter and her husband and two of 3 kids have tatoos . Your arrows i was impressed with you and your children 3 the arrows representing strength and directions etc i love your posts when there is so much negative in the world you positively make me smile and laugh and feel good. Ive only been tempted twice once a teen red rose wanted on my shoulder then said I aint doin it . Then 2 1/2 years ago when undergoing surgery and 1 st stage breast cancer radiation they put 4 black dots to line you up for radiation and thought of making a dot into the breast cancer symbol or a littel cat face ( love my two ragdoll cats) but again leaning towards i aint doin it ha ha press on Heather land your an inspiration . ( just be careful about the superbowl I live in massachusetts and its pats all the way and Tom Brady) lol we still luv ya but any other team I aint doin it!
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Your strength gives me strength, and you keep me laughing even on the toughest days that I have. You are a blessing to us all.
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Love this and love you. This hit home for me. Thank you for giving me a minute outside of my life and being able to laugh till I cry. 💖
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You have these mind opening statements yet make me laugh so much. Keep it up….I can’t wait till you post new things and topics. I wish you could come and put on a show at our county Fair. It needs saving. Happy Thursday! You ROCK
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I love and appreciate this…I’m just one arrow; a widow…my husband died of an overdose after having been clean 8 years – a world I never knew but know now. My arrow is sharp and straight and determined to hit the mark of reducing deaths caused from overdoses…I do what I can and with Jesus I know I can make a difference. Love your stuff – your comedy and your real stuff…It’s ironic isn’t it” I AIN’T DOING IT is getting it done!!
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I enjoyed reading your story and finding out more awesome stuff about you. You are a strong woman indeed and I pray that God will always help through the tough stuff. I know he sure has keep be safe and giving me strength. I laugh so much when I see your video’s posted of, “I Ain’t Doing It”. I hope you always do those and whatever else makes your heart sing. You are a true inspiration and wish you the best in life. Hugs & Love from Ohio.
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Oh my gosh! Just recently started following you, and I love your candor! Although, this asthma sufferer pays dearly for listening in at times 😂🤣😅
Thank you for doing you!
Can’t help but think if you were a Floridian, we’d be besties! 😎
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I want to see your finger tattoo.
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Love this! ❤❤❤
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Heather, I too got a tattoo of a arrow on my forearm! I got a divorce and hard time dealing with being alone. To me the arrow is telling me to always move forward! I love you girl, for your inspiration! Keep moving forward girl!
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Love your new tattoo. This is the tattoo that is huge in the Down syndrome community. Moms are going in groups to get it. Love the meaning behind the 3 arrows. It represents all you said, but for my Down syndrome tribe it represents also the third copy of the 21st chromosome.
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I look forward to your ‘I Ain’t Doing It’ videos. They are what make me laugh every day. I loved reading your story. I wish I were as strong.
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Love your insite and look on life. Can’t wait till the next installment. God Bless
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I got my first tattoo after my divorce. Coming out of the dark.
I’ve always liked roses and butterflies. Chose a tattoo that has both.
My next one was angel wings on my wrist on top and the word believe on the bottom. Wings because I knew I had a guardian angel watching over us during my marriage and believe because of that.
I met an awesome man a few years ago and married. The place I worked we couldn’t wear jewelry so I got a tattoo on my ring finger.
Still contemplating one more. No hurry.
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Beautifully broken……you give so much of yourself to each of us! Thank you girl!!
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Love your words Heather Land 💗💗!
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Love listening to you and reading things you share! God bless you and your little family 😊
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Wow! That story almost makes me want to get a tattoo. Almost. I love the symbolism of the three arrows and the direction (forward). I just posted an arrow on my twitter page that has me thinking the same thing… Whenever life pulls you backwards, it means it’s going to launch you into something great; so just focus and keep aiming. Then let it fly.
Thanks so much for your courage and encouragement.
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Love you Heather. Honey you keep moving forward and forever know that is the only direction in which we should all be moving. Forward. May God continue to bless you and your family. Thank you for your insight and laughter.
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I’m a 63 y/o Gma and I’ve been wanting to get a tattoo of something that is meaningful to me personally. My mama will have a “holy” fit, but I think you just convinced me!! 🤣😂♥️ Thank you for sharing your “take” on life and bringing joy to so many!
Blessings!!
Joyce W.
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I got my first tattoo at age 55 after losing my mom. Next two at ages 62 and 63 for my husband after losing him to cancer. Love where my life has taken me and only God knows what is ahead. Good bless you. Keep those videos coming.
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So glad to read this. Just got my first tat at 57. I think I waited so long based on what people would say. Now I just don’t give shit! Love it and want another 😀
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Hi Heather! I just found out I have 2 brain tumors so the 3 arrows would be me and those two! One is coming out Feb 21 so pray for me and my surgeon! I’m not afraid I Trust that Gods got this! Love your posts and your ” I ain’t doin it” videos! I still think we’re best friends you just don’t know it yet 😂 My daughters (49 and 44) have named them 😂 Ethel and Agnes so there’s that fun fact! Love your tattoos. My youngest daughter 44 has a plethora of tattoos and 3 of my oldest grandkids have them too.. Thanks for making me laugh out loud!! I binge on your videos all the time ❤️ Blessings to you friend!
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I too was profoundly affected by Ann Voskamp’s book. Enough so that I got a tattoo of my own. I had Eucharisteo with a small cross and dove tattooed along the inside of my right forearm.
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